Word Origin & History

pay c.1200, "to appease, pacify, satisfy," from O.Fr. paiier (12c.), from L. pacare "to please, pacify, satisfy" (especially a creditor), from pax (gen. pacis) "peace." Meaning "to give what is due for goods or services" arose in M.L., was attested in Eng. by early 13c.; sense of "please, pacify" died out in Eng. by 1500. Sense of "suffer, endure" (a punishment, etc.) is first recorded late 14c. Payday first attested 1520s. Payphone first attested 1936.

Example Sentences for pays up

There's only you and Mr. Brock in the house just now that pays up to the day, so you may guess what it is!

His money won't last long if he goes and pays up for every chap here that hasn't got a license.'